Airline boss Michael O’Leary said there were also plans for an extra plane to be based at the airport next summer taking the total number to eight and said he hoped to increase the annual passenger numbers to 3m in the next three years.

Ryanair said the new routes will create 180 new jobs in Liverpool through additional passengers.

The new routes are to Lublin in Poland and Zadar in Croatia. The airport today welcomed the new routes saying it’s a vote of confidence in its operations.

Chief executive of Peel Airports Craig Richmond said: “We’re delighted with Ryanair’s latest commitment to grow their business from Liverpool.

“Their decision to add an additional 100,000 seats on their Liverpool operations for next summer along with brand new routes is great news both for the airport and the region too.

“It gives holidaymakers an even greater choice of value for money destinations next year and a further boost for the local economy with more visitors to Liverpool and the North West.”